All upcoming Philosophy & Religion programs

The most notorious murder of the Middle Ages took place in Canterbury Cathedral, where Archbishop Thomas Becket was killed by four knights of King Henry II in December 1170. Historian Jennifer Paxton explores how the archbishop fell afoul of his king for both personal and political reasons; ignited a political dispute that convulsed church and state for almost a decade; and why Becket’s violent death turned him from a lightning rod for controversy into the most important saint in Europe.

Art historian Sophia D’Addio of Columbia University follows up her 2023 exploration of Italian cathedrals and basilicas in several major cities by going off the beaten path. In a splendidly illustrated full-day seminar, she focuses on four sites of great importance located in the regions of Umbria, Emilia-Romagna, and Le Marche: the churches of Assisi, Orvieto, Parma, and Loreto, which represent some of Italy’s greatest repositories of sacred art. (World Art History Certificate elective, 1 credit)

Should we bring new humans into the world? Or would it be better off without us? It’s harder than ever to watch TV or scroll social media without contemplating these questions, says philosopher Todd May. Drawing from his book Should We Go Extinct? A Philosophical Dilemma for Our Unbearable Times, he discusses reasons for and against the continuation of our species: whether the positive and negative tallies of the human ledger are comparable and what conclusions we might draw about ourselves and our future—or lack thereof.

Does free-market capitalism promote economic growth at the expense of virtue and happiness? Steven M. Emmanuel, chair of the philosophy department at Virginia Wesleyan University, examines texts in the canonical literature of Buddhism that describe an ennobling form of economic activity that is compatible with moral and spiritual growth and promotes the conditions for a peaceful, prosperous, and happy society.

Behind the architectural splendor and rich cultural tapestry of Venice lies a deeply spiritual heritage, embodied by the saints whom its residents have venerated for centuries­. Their remains and relics were believed to possess spiritual significance and carry political, economic, and diplomatic influence. Historian Dennis Romano explores the crucial roles of the Virgin Mary, Saint Mark, and Saint Nicholas in shaping Venice’s identity, highlighting the magnificent churches, paintings, and sculptures commissioned in their honor. (World Art History Certificate elective, 1/2 credit)

The Bhagavad Gita is one of the world’s most beloved sacred texts. Graham M. Schweig, a professor of religion and translator of the Bhagavad Gita, illuminates some of the exquisite passages in this Hindu philosophical poem and examines their rich narrative context. He also reveals how the voice of wisdom and compassion in a work created around the 2nd century speaks to the challenges of the modern world.

Certified yoga therapist Linda Lang leads an immersive two-part exploration of some of the philosophical foundations of yogic awareness. Through lectures and guided meditation, participants investigate topics including the symbolism of the Sanskrit sacred syllable “om,” ideas of embodiment, and yoga’s paths to an enlightened and illuminated sense of self.

The Basilica of Santa Maria Novella, completed in the 14th century in Florence, is the city’s principal Dominican church. Located next to the main railway station, the church, cloisters, and chapter house contain works by some of Italy’s most notable Gothic and early Renaissance artists, including Brunelleschi, Giotto, and Ghiberti. Italian Renaissance art expert Rocky Ruggiero highlights this lesser-known church and museum and its treasures. (World Art History Certificate elective, 1/2 credit)

The Museo dell'Opera del Duomo, or Cathedral Museum, in Siena, Italy, houses works of art and architectural fragments that were formerly in, or a part of, the Duomo of Siena (Siena Cathedral). These include a number of Italian Gothic sculptures by Giovanni Pisano and his school from the façade of the cathedral; the Maestà of Duccio di Buoninsegna, which was the altarpiece for about 200 years; and works by Ambrogio and Pietro Lorenzetti. Italian Renaissance art expert Rocky Ruggiero highlights this lesser-known museum and its treasures. (World Art History Certificate elective, 1/2 credit)